How we are changing the world.
El Salvador 2012
El Salvador 2011
 SOSH's annual mission trip to El Salvador, from August 11 - 17, made a significant impact on the communities they served. The students raised almost $24,000 offsetting the out of pocket cost for the seven day trip, which consisted of four days dedicated to work, with two for travel and one day off.
The group consisted of 17 students, three translators and two doctors, Dr. Audrey Chen and Dr. Michael Wong. The team worked with the organization Commandos de Salvemente El Salvador.
SOSH members who took part in the trip were Asja Asceric, Jillian Bolton, Mallory Cranmer, Bryan Crosby, Kristen Epting, Dhimiter Llambiri, Kyung Eun Min, Louis Moriano, Sita Patel, Sarah Yumi Park, Lindsey Sabol, Katie Tempaugh, Julie Vashi, Marshall Walker, Kevin Wheat, and Evone Wong, all Class of 2013, and Nicole Maierhoffer ’14.
Over the course of four days, the group saw approximately 700 patients, with the majority receiving sunglasses while supplies permitted. Anyone over the age of 50 was supplied with reading glasses if necessary, and at least a dozen were referred for further treatment. Distance prescriptions were needed for about 40% of the population and glasses were provided to those in need.
Each day, about 20 to 30 referrals were made. Everyone who was in need of topical medications were given what they needed until the daily portion of supplies ran out. The team also will be making six pairs of glasses with difficult prescriptions and sending them back down to the Comandos de Salvamento to be delivered to the individuals.
A possible return to El Salvador is being discussed for next year. At the end of the trip, the students were greeted and thanked by the president and vice president of Comandos de Salvamento, which was a very rewarding moment for each of the members who attended.​